Opioid addiction is not only a problem in cities but it’s an issue in small towns too.
Rev. Lloyd Bruce, the minister of Sackville United Church, says it’s why his congregation agreed to install a harm reduction dispensing machine in the church.
“It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people finding syringes in the Sackville Waterfowl Park… so there are people who are using,” he says.
“It extends itself in many cases from folks who have become addicted to opioids and then graduate to opioid addiction as a result of prescription medication usage.”
Bruce notes how Sackville is also home to a significant young adult community with the Mount Allison University campus.
He often hears about people who want to be anonymous and come to Sackville for supplies from outlying communities like Memramcook or Port Elgin.
Ensemble Moncton already has a harm reduction dispenser at its downtown office and has partnered with the Sackville United Church to install one in the church building to serve the town.
Bruce expects that the machine will be ready to use later this week and notes how he’s already been receiving calls about it.
